(Baonghean.vn) - Every autumn, the banana blossoms...The forests in western Nghe An province arebloomoverflowingred.Thismainis the timeThai ethnic people (Diem Bay hamlet, Chau Quang commune, Quy Hop district)enthusiasticGoing to the forest to pick banana blossoms.to go homeprocessingwallMeatball dishes for the ancestral worship ceremony on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month.
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| The plump, round, and vibrant red buds of wild banana blossoms are carefully selected to prepare the banana blossom meatball dish. |
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| After harvesting, with their skillful hands, the mothers and sisters peel off the outer layers, keeping only the tender inner layers, and then slice them very thinly. To keep the banana blossoms fresh, crisp, and free of sap, a basin of water mixed with a little salt, lemon juice, or ice must be prepared before slicing. |
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| Thinly sliced banana blossoms are dropped into a bowl of water, curling and shimmering, creating a very appetizing sight. |
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| The fillings for banana blossom meatballs are usually fresh stream fish, chicken, or pork. The accompanying spices, such as lemongrass, fresh chili peppers, and sesame seeds, are also sourced from the home garden to enhance the dish's rich flavor. |
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| The rice used to mix with the meatballs must be high-quality glutinous rice, soaked until very soft, and then pounded until very fine. |
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| The banana blossoms are drained and mixed thoroughly with all the other ingredients until smooth. |
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| The meatballs are wrapped in wild banana leaves, with the top tied shut with string. |
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| After wrapping, the meatballs are steamed until evenly cooked while retaining their flavor. The cooked meatballs emit an enticing aroma that makes everyone want to try them immediately. When visiting the Thai ethnic minority in the mountainous region of Nghe An, you simply cannot miss this wonderful dish. |
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| On the full moon of the eighth lunar month each year, banana blossom salad is chosen as an offering to ancestors and is also an indispensable dish on the feast table of every Thai family. This is a distinctive cultural feature of the Thai ethnic people in this region. |
Phuong Thuy - Lo Anh
